Dark side of WC's R402bn gambling boom

ACROSS the Western Cape, gambling has grown into a booming industry.

- BRANDON NEL

In fact, the province has now overtaken Gauteng as SA's gambling capital.

According to the National Gambling Board's latest report for the 2024/25 financial year, the Western Cape recorded R402.4 billion in total wagers - the highest of any province - while neighbouring Eastern Cape, often visited by Garden Route residents and holidaymakers, recorded R34.9bn.

The Western Cape's gross gambling revenue stood at R23.13bn

Betting and online platforms are driving this growth, with sports betting increasingly popular among players in both provinces.

Nationwide, R1.5 trillion was wagered across the country.

The gross revenue, excluding winning payouts, amounts to R74.5bn nationally.

Finance MEC Deidre Baartman, who oversees the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB), said the rise in gambling in the province is linked to the way the industry has been regulated.

Baartman said the WCGRB allowed bookmakers to apply directly for licences or contingencies, instead of waiting for formal requests.

"Licences are issued subject to a thorough probity process and in consideration of responsible gambling objectives," she said.

Baartman said this approach, along with "good governance and responsiveness to operators", has made the province attractive for both land-based and online gambling, including iGaming platforms.